Coles Bay

The east coast village of Coles Bay sits beneath pink granite mountains at the entrance to Freycinet National Park. With a small permanent population of less than 200 people, the town caters to local and visitor needs. The Coles Bay area is one of our Island's most popular holiday spots for visitors and locals. It overlooks crystal clear Oyster Bay and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, boating and fishing. Prior to European settlement the Great Oyster Bay and Big River aboriginal tribes made the annual trek, in the cooler climate, for seafood and swan eggs. European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, and the area was developed by sealers, whalers, miners and farmers. After Freycinet National Park was declared in 1916 the area became increasingly popular as a holiday destination. Coles Bay is about 45 minutes' drive from Swansea and around 30 minutes from Bicheno..